Operating Room Nurse Duties & Responsibilities

The role and function of an Operating Room Nurse includes the following duties and responsibilities:

  • Assess patients condition before surgery 
  • Ensure that the Operating Room is prepared with all necessary supplies, implants, instrumentation, and equipment
  • Keep the operating room sterilized
  • Position the patient on operating table
  • Pass medical instruments to the surgeons during operation
  • Monitor patient’s vital signs
  • Evaluate postoperative  patients 
  • Reviews charts for completeness, in accordance with documentation protocols prior to and after the surgical procedure
  • Adhere to all relevant health and safety standards 
  • Communicate with patients, teammates, and physicians to ensure continuity of care

Note that this is not an exhaustive list of Operating Room Nurse duties and responsibilities. Job functions for specific Operating Room Nurse roles may vary, depending on the industry and type of employer.